If you're tickled pink that the RE series once again returns home to the PlayStation family of products where it belongs, rush out and invest in one of the best survival horrors games to date. RE4 is a refreshing take on the genre and manages to be just as taut and tense as previous titles without relying on the usual tried and true scare tactics. Clocking in at over 25 hours of gameplay (if you've never played before), RE4 never once bogs down in rehash or mindless repetition, managing to keep the pace on "alert" from start to finish which is a most impressive feat considering most two hour movies can't sustain that level of suspense. Highly recommended.

With all the unlockable items from the Cube version available - which include two mini-games, new weapons, new difficulties, and a plethora of collectable figurines - this version also has a brand new side story involving "the girl in the red dress" (no spoilers here), a few unlockable costumes and a new Plaga-removal laser making the game with uber-replayability even more uber. You will play this more than once, you will show it to everyone who visits, and if all that isn't enough, you can show it off in proper widescreen.

Should you complete the game, several new games open up. This was big surprise and a lot of fun, since most of these games could really almost stand on their own. One in particular has you playing Ada, a mysterious woman who helps you on the island from time to time even though she is sort of working against you. There are parts in the main game where strange things will happen, like a hoard of villagers being called off of you right before they move in for the kill. In these bonus games you learn why some of these strange things you witness happened, since Ada was the one doing them. That's pretty darn clever and makes for a nice cherry on top this beautiful game.

These criticisms are almost negligible though, and in the face of extras such as unlockable missions involving the sexy Ada, and a cast of death-dealing studs in "The Mercenaries" -- they are washed away by a deluge of positives. The highest compliment I can pay to the already highly lauded Resident Evil 4 is this: it makes all other games in its genre seem utterly pointless. Post-RE4, every sin committed by every Silent Hill installment, every wrong step taken by even RE4’s own predecessors -- appear unforgivable.

Still, take away those little inconveniences and what's left is a non-stop thrill ride. It's simply amazing how Resident Evil 4 never lets up, as it constantly assaults the player with one horde of enemies after another — making it the sort of game I can see myself picking up for a run-through or two every few months and enjoying it just as much as the first time through.

While Resident Evil wasn't the first entry in the survival horror genre, the Resident Evil games have come to define survival horror, and to define different possibilities in gaming through the survival horror genre. After all of the games-Resident Evil 1, 2, 3, Code: Veronica, 0, Outbreak, Outbreak File 2, Survivor, remakes and re-releases, and the other less popular games in the series-two mainstream movies, comic book and novel versions, Resident Evil maintains a dominant presence in gaming and in the non-gamer perception of gaming. Fortunately Resident Evil has earned this presence, as each Resident Evil game offers quality gaming, and Resident Evil 4 on the PS2 is no exception.

When you take into account the quality of this game, the new weapons (there are some great ones in here), over-the-top bosses, deep storyline, and the bonus content, you can see why Resident Evil 4 on the PlayStation 2 is Game of the Year material. It is by far the best single player action experience you are going to find on the PS2 this year - and the best Resident Evil game since Resident Evil 2. If you haven't bought this game for the GameCube you'd have to be out of your mind to pass this one up. If you've already played it on the GameCube then you may or may not want to pick this one up again on the PS2 for the bonus material. Either way I highly recommend Resident Evil 4.

Anyone who doesn't own a GameCube, however, would be smoking crack rocks the size of my fist not to buy this game. At forty dollars, it is worth every penny, and given the quality of the translation to the aged hardware of the PlayStation 2, is absolutely one of the best games on the system. I, personally, was among the many cynics who wasn't sure if Capcom could pull it off, and I'm both amazed and humbled- I've often joked during my brief tenure with GameSpy that a game would have to (are you kidding? I'm not printing it here) in order for me to give it five stars- this one does, and then some. If there was any title that should be held prestigiously in the canon of any gamer's library, it's this one. If you're thinking about picking it up, do it. You won't have any regrets.

If you've grown weary of survival horror games for their transparent attempts at shock, RE4 will be refreshing. If you haven't played anything in this genre for a while, RE4 will be refreshing. If you've never played a survival horror game and like action with mood, RE4 will be refreshing. If first person shooters and other action games leave too much to be desired when it comes to story, pace and atmosphere, RE4 will be refreshing. In so many ways, Resident Evil 4 is refreshing and shouldn't be missed.

It is for a reason that Resident Evil 4 was awarded many and won many GOTY awards for both of the systems it was released for. Resident Evil 4, without a doubt, is one of the best games on the PS2, and is equally awesome as Metal Gear Solid 3 or God of War. Obviously, this game is a must-own for any one that likes horror, shooter and Resident Evil games. The main game will take you about 17 to 20 hours the first time, and you will replay the game at least once more. The extras should take as long too, and in total, you might spend as much time playing the game as 50 hours or more! There are always new things to do, and the game just gets better as you play. What are you waiting for? Go buy it now!

I have the GameCube version and I still went out of my way to retail buy the PS2 version, because I'm that into the story. For fans, this is one to get, and for those who have never actually put their fingers on a controller in the name of Resident Evil, get it. Buy it, hold onto it, and play the game that has put reviewers and gamers alike back on the edge of their seats in horror.

Resident Evil 4 should have set the world alight when it was originally released on the GameCube earlier in the year, but barring a disaster the masses should finally see what the fuss is about with this PlayStation 2 port. Purists will cling onto their GameCube copies, proclaiming that no one should buy anything other than the sacred original, but the fact that the average bloke browsing games in his local store will now have a chance of taking this home (rather than not noticing it at the back under a shelf of kiddy GBA titles) makes me very happy. This is one of the greatest games ever made and should be experienced by as many people as possible.

Earlier this year, Resident Evil 4 blew me away when I played it on the GameCube. Never before had I experienced a game that so mastered the balance between action and atmosphere, between scares and furious combat. The pacing was simply amazing – every time I thought I might grow a little tired of what I was doing, something completely different popped up. Not only is Resident Evil 4 the best survival horror game I’ve ever played, it’s simply one of the best games. Unfortunately, the original version was not the smash hit it deserved to be, and Capcom decided to bring it to PS2 in search of a wider audience. Now, playing it again with slightly downgraded graphics, do I still feel as strongly about it? Yes, absolutely.

You can't possibly take away from a game because of one weak extra though. It's hard enough to believe Resident Evil 4 is running this smoothly on the PS2, and that alone will let an entirely new set of people experience one of the best video games this industry has ever seen. You're only doing a disservice to yourself if you haven't played through it yet.

Mark 2005 down in your calendars as the year of the director's cut. First it was stunning remix of Ninja Gaiden Black for Xbox that sent gamers back onto paths previously tread, and now Capcom gets into the act with their stupendously awesome recreation of their genre-defining action-horror game, Resident Evil 4.

PS2 gamers get the brain-splatteringly good Mercenaries minigame from the GameCube plus a little double dipping with sexy spy Ada Wong, who has more solo missions that flesh out her role in the game's bizarre plot. The bad ass new laser weapon and clever costume changes for Leon and Ashley are just icing on the gore-soaked cake. Simply put, Resident Evil 4 is the tightest, most accessible game in the series and one of the best games out there.

I fully expected Resident Evil 4 on PS2 to be inferior to the Gamecube version. Surprisingly, load times are very inobtrusive, and the graphics are still breathtaking. If you haven’t played this game yet because you only own a PS2, you absolutely must purchase it immediately. It’s easily the Game of the Year so far in my opinion, and ranks among the very best videogames ever made.

Those who have never played this classic are in for a treat – it's simply one of the most intense and exciting action/adventure games in years, regardless of hardware. Those who have played it can marvel at a damned impressive conversion, and all the new features added to this edition, though perhaps with just a rental, though you do have to beat the main game to see the new stuff. Either way, Resident Evil 4 not only revived a stagnant franchise, it's changed the rules of survival horror games in general – where instead of a heavy emphasis on horror, RE4 puts survival first. Suddenly the wait for Resident Evil 5 is that much longer.

If you didn't know by now, it's without doubt one of the best games of the year, even of all
time. It's a remarkable reinvention of Resi that constantly thrills and amazes, yet when you look at the basics of the game it's incredibly linear and repetitive - it's just Leon blasting his
way through continental Europe. What helps is that every gunshot feels as fresh as the first, the graphics and animation are sublime and every set piece surprises.
But after deliberating long and hard, we've decided that reason that Resi 4 is so magnificent is because it's magic - it's been created by some unexplainable Capcom wizardry that makes it appeal to everyone with an ounce of gaming sense. Make sure you fit into that category and play this game.

95

GameLemon

You don't need to be a Resident Evil fan to like this game. Hell, if you hated the older Resident Evils, I still think you will like this game. It's just so fun and, really (aside from some herb combining and the cheesy storyline), it doesn't feel like a Resident Evil. It's fast, it controls well, you aren't technically fighting zombies, and the Umbrella corporation (the antagonists for EVERY RE game till now) isn't even behind it all! While some people might lament this loss of the old Resident Evil style we, well, we don't care. Because those people are dumb and wrong... and probably Republican.

While the PS2 version does suffer in the control and visual department, the two
most important aspects of the game, hence not quite obtaining the top score the
GC version received earlier in the year despite the extra content, it’s an
essential game on whatever format you pick it up on. Turn off the lights, switch
on the surround sound and prepare for an experience that won't be matched again
for a long time. Game of the year? Few could argue otherwise.

This is the single best survival horror game ever made, besting even the Silent Hill series in raw visceral thrills. It’s not nearly as scary, but it makes up for it with an incredible story, tons of replay value, and a game length that’s uncharacteristically stretched for the series. Go buy this game, and go buy it right freaking now.

If you're a horror fan or an action gamer, you've honestly got no excuse; Resident Evil 4 is your kind of title. You'll need to bring your A game, as this is unapologetically difficult, but you'll be rewarded for your effort with one of the most polished shooters of this console generation.

Millions of gamers lost touch with Resident Evil when it jumped ship. Here's your chance to make things right. Resident Evil 4 is Capcom's finest work. Everyone talks about production values, and as much as I hate to look at a game that way, there's no denying how much time and money was put into RE4's development. The graphics are beautiful, the monsters are unreal, and the gameplay is the most action-packed a survival/horror game has ever been. You're not always running, but you're constantly on the move and constantly in fear. It's a grand experience.

There was no escaping the buzz that Capcom's Resident Evil 4 generated earlier this year when it launched on Nintendo's GameCube. Shortly before it hit stores, Capcom announced PS2 owners would be able to enjoy a ported and somewhat expanded version later in the year. Skeptics hissed. Fanboys guffawed. And even this reviewer cynically questioned, "How can it be done so quickly?" Nobody doubted Capcom's talents.

It was worth waiting all these years to get to play such a masterpiece. This game has got it all: atmosphere, good AI, challenging levels, long lifespan, many guns, big guns, blood and gore, scary backgrounds ... everything. Capcom has the recipe for success and maybe Konami will learn something from them since Resident Evil 5 is in the making and we've heard nothing about Silent Hill 5. A winner? RE 4 surely is and you can't call yourself a gamer if you haven't played at least one title of the series. I recommend the fourth installment, because it's Capcom's greatest achievement, although you should be cautious if you're one of those faint-hearted Alone in the Dark fans.

Without a doubt Resident Evil 4 is one of the greatest video games in this current generation. The PS2 version has even more then the Gamecube title and while there are a couple of graphical downgrades this is still one of the best looking PS2 games to date. What more can I say other then this... Resident Evil 4 is an essential purchase.

Overall, if you already have the GameCube version and are not dying to see the five extra chapters added on for the PS2 version, you are probably okay with sticking with that version. If you are a die-hard Resident Evil fan, you’ll want that added bit of storyline, so you probably already own this game. If you are someone who has never given Resident Evil a chance because of survival horror naysayers, Resident Evil 4 is the game to turn you. Go out and buy it now!

A mixture of all these great elements make this one hell of a great game, one that every PS2 owner should consider buying. Having only briefly playing the older games, and my survival/horror knowledge only being previously limited to Devil May Cry, the game was a bit of a gamble purchase for me, but I definitely feel like it was more than worth it. The game itself will last you more than 20 hours, and with the extra content and hidden extras, you'd be doing yourself a big favor if you went out and bought the game as soon as possible.

Just after God of War came along and took the crown as the best action game on PS2, Resident Evil 4 crashes in and shows it who's boss. It's easily one of the best games of the year and an unquestionably essential purchase. There's absolutely nothing to dislike about it. It's not making any great leaps in the grand scheme of things as San Andreas did, but in many ways it's far better than anything Rockstar have ever done. Buy this. Buy this now.

Resident Evil 4 is simply must-have, no matter what platform you play it on. The GameCube version has slightly better graphics, but the PlayStation 2 games has about 50% more content, including the stunning Separate Ways. Whatever one you choose: the innovating, envigourating gameplay of RE4 is one of the most satisfying experiences of past years. Buy it, now!

Since its debut on the PlayStation in 1996, the genre-defining Resident Evil series has had its ups and downs, though it's always remained at the forefront of survival horror games. Yet it's not enough to call Resident Evil 4 one of the high points of the series, because this is probably the single greatest horror-themed action game ever created. Now on the PlayStation 2, Resident Evil 4 sure didn't cut corners in translation from the original GameCube version released earlier this year. Like that game, this is an amazing achievement in a variety of ways: Its inspired, state-of-the-art cinematic presentation works extremely well with its relentlessly exciting, white-knuckle action, all of which is wrapped up in a decidedly lengthy adventure chock-full of hidden secrets and bonus extras.

Playstation 2 gamers have long been waiting to get their hands on Capcom’s acclaimed action survival horror, and it is for good reason. Resident Evil 4 is an impressive and thoroughly enjoyable experience throughout, revolutionizing not only the Resident Evil series but the survival horror and action genres as a whole. It’s the type of game that allows classic fans of the series to instantly fall in love with the refreshingly new take on the series, all the while attracting a large number of gamers who have never liked any of the previous Resident Evil titles. Those who have not had the chance to play through the GameCube version of Resident Evil 4 need to check out Capcom’s latest blockbuster title, as its an experience that is worthwhile in every aspect.

In the end there are a number of factors that make Resident Evil 4 such a damned good game. The graphics, which are among the best this generation has to offer, are certainly an important part of that. The gameplay, which never becomes stale or overly-gimmicky, also has plenty of meta elements like treasure hunting and meaningful unlockables. The story, setting and characters, despite the potential for cheesiness, somehow manage to resonate. And most uniquely of all, the single-player-only game easily packs in around 30 hours of gameplay, making it extremely good value for money.

So, all in all, what’s to be made of RE4? In many ways, it is an extremely impressive piece of work and it lacks any major flaw. I can certainly understand why so many people love it and rate it so highly. Yet, personally, I never managed to become truly enamoured of it. Partly, this was because of the niggles I mentioned above, but mostly it was because at some level I just didn’t buy into the whole thing. I’d be pretty sure that the vast majority of the game’s most ardent devotees are horror fans and I suspect that you need to be one to really love it, even if, like me, you like action games. In terms of the enjoyment I personally derived from playing RE4, I honestly couldn’t say I’d rate it as more than 8/10, but at some level it seems a tad unfair to give it that. So, donning my objective hat, I guess I’d have to go for 9/10 as a final score. It is a very good game… although my head says that more convincingly than my heart.

If you thought Resident Evil 4 was great on the GameCube, prepare to experience it in a whole new way on the PlayStation 2. With new modes and content that are guaranteed to scare you to the core, it's a good time to own a PS2.

Capcom have achieved that great feat of managing to shed off the problems of the past without forgetting how they came to be here and the result is not only a joy to play but, compared to previous titles, is almost epic in length and introduces extra missions and weapons after the first time through that enhance the replay value even further. In a way parallel to the dark, Darwinesque message close to its soul, the Resident Evil species has adapted and, as a consequence, continues not only to survive, but to flourish.

If you don't yet own this game, then immediately invest and enjoy the splendor. Resident Evil 4, when all is said and done, is still a remarkable experience that brings about a new high point for the series, and stands as one of the best games this year...no matter what the platform. This new edition will whip PS2 fans into a frenzy, while no doubt making GameCube owners grumble to themselves that they got robbed. Hey, take heart- you've been having all the fun for nine months now. And no one ever said it was over, right?

We're not sure how this is possible, but playing through Resident Evil 4 a second time is even more enjoyable than the initial run-through 10 months ago. It really is one of the best games Capcom has released in its long, glorious history. It's that simple. Its engaging premise, tense combat, gorgeous, varied environments, and some of the most terrifying boss encounters ever add up to something special - a true reinvention of the series, and one that deserves every superlative thrown its way. The fact that it's now being released on the PS2 (and therefore now available to the masses) makes us feel all warm inside. A game this exciting and this consistently entertaining deserves to be played by as many people as possible.

Resident Evil 4, the latest title in this well-known series, will launch in Europe on 18th March 2005. This game sees the return of Leon Kennedy, last seen in Resident Evil 2 and totally revolutionises the genre invented by its predecessors, with the addition of features like a point and shoot mechanic, allowing accurate aiming and a camera which follows, an action button to perform a series of explosive moves and completely new and never before seen enemies that are quicker, clever and more menacing than ever before.

Resident Evil 4 isn't perfect, but it's one hell of a ride and a very worthy addition to the series. The frustration with the controls can be forgiven whenever you think of moments like barricading yourself inside a cabin for the first time in an attempt to fend off an advancing mob. Playing with the location-based damage and reveling in the authentic animations and attention to detail also help. Resident Evil 4 is a must-buy for fans of the series and a great introduction for those who have never faced the evil.